Why Korbanos? That’s Why…
“…A man who shall bring from you an offering to G-d…” – Vayikra 1:2
אָדָם כִּי יַקְרִיב מִכֶּם קָרְבָּן לַה’ – ויקרא א, ב
The significance that the Torah attributes to animal sacrifice is mystifying. Why would the physical slaughter and burning of an animal be our primary form of Divine worship (see Avos 1:2 and Yerushalmi, Taanis 4:1)? Would a spiritual form of worship, in which a Jew’s attachment to G-d is sensed and revealed, not be more suitable as the focal point of the service in the Mishkan and Beis Hamikdash?
An exercise in which the Jew’s unique spiritual capacities are prominently featured could not adequately express this bond, for this closeness is not the result of the Jew’s worship and efforts. It is purely the result of G-d’s existential choice in His beloved nation. The unbreakable bond between the Jewish people and G-d is therefore expressed through a Jew offering a korban, a service whose meaning is not obvious—but for the fact that G-d deems it desirable when a Jew offers a sacrifice.
—Likkutei Sichos vol. 22, pp. 3-4
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